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Visiting California Wineries?Intro to California Wine CountryAlthough not the oldest, California wineries are some of the most well-known and, definitely, most visited. With tons of other attractions, tourists flock to the West coast to get a tan, ride a rollercoaster, and enjoy beautiful scenery. The only downfall could be traffic. So plan your trip on weekdays, avoiding rush hour.There are twelve main wine regions in California. Some are busier than others, but all of them offering quality wines. Donft get fooled by the loud names - give smaller, not so well known regions a try. North to South, they are: Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Lake County, San Franciso Bay Area, Monterey County, San Benito County, Sierra Foothills, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Temecula Valley, Central Valley. Some wine experts group two or more together, so the count may vary.
Napa Valley & Sonoma County are California's most popular and prestigious wine regions. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is continually rated one of the best in the world. Many local California wineries offer free tastings and winery tours, as well as fine cuisine to enhance your experience while visiting. Make sure you take extra cash with you, these places are not for those on a budget.Dry Creek Valley is home to some of California's oldest Zinfandel vines, and the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley produce top-notch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For the value seekers, Mendocino County and Lake County would be destinations of choice. This does not mean you will have to compromise quality. Central Valley and San Benito County are also known for making some of California's most value-driven wines. In the Sierra Foothills, Zinfandel has historically been the grape of choice, but recently, many other grapes have been changing this trend. For the lover of scenic tours, try visiting The San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey County. The Bay Area is a cosmopolitan, urban center with all its class and glam. Monterey County is best known for its breathtaking coastal views and famous golf courses. The wine industry in these areas is growing as never before. Further South, you will find San Louis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County and Temecula Valley, located just northeast of San Diego. Although not as popular as their northern counterparts, these regions will offer a variety of activities besides wine tasting to make your trip exciting in all regards.
Popular California Wines- 2003 Quintessa (Maritage)- Biale 2004 Black Chicken Zinfandel - Jade Mountain 2002 Syrah, Paras Vineyard - Groth 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - Shafer 2004 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay - Fantesca 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - Seghesio 2004 Old Vine Zinfandel - Shafer 2002 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon - Miner 2004 Pinot Noir, Garys' Vineyard - Wilson Creek NV Almond Champagne - Silver Oak 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley - Bernardus 2004 Chardonnay, Rosella's Vineyard - Sullivan 2003 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Medlock Ames 2002 Red - Medlock Ames 2002 Merlot
California WineriesYou need months to visit all the wineries in California. So take it easy, and plan your trip carefully, considering other attractions in the area.You can find the list of
California wineries here. For the lazier ones, a California wineries tour operator is only a call away. Find out more on
this site. California Attractions
There are so many attractions in this coastal state, that it can take pages just to list. For more places to visit this page.
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